London's new Blackfriars station, spanning the river Thames, will be the world's largest solar bridge when it opens in time for the Olympics in June 2012.

Powered by more over 4,400 solar photovoltaic panels, the bridge is being completely renovated by Network Rail in partnership with Solarcentury.

An electrical engineering collaboration along with Balfour Beatty and Jacobs Engineering, the structure will generate 900,000kWh of electricity a year and 50% of the station's energy needs, reducing carbon emissions by about 511 tonnes a year.

Further energy saving measures include rainwater harvesting and sun pipes for natural lighting.

Network Rail and Solarcentury say the project will radically reduce grid electricity consumption and create energy independence. It is claimed to be one of the most significant steps in micro-generation in the UK.

As well as providing better Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton, it demonstrates how clean solar power can be designed for use in dense urban areas. Solarcentury has a public mission to tackle global warming using solar energy in the built environment.

The £5.5m Victorian bridge renovation is the world's second solar bridge. The Kurilpa footbridge in Brisbane, Australia – significantly smaller in size – was constructed in 2009.